What to do
- Select the cold setting on your machine (usually labeled 30°C, “cold,” or one dot).
- Any detergent works, but cold-water detergents dissolve better at low temperatures.
- Wash with similar colors. Cold water reduces dye bleed, but it doesn't eliminate it.
What happens if you ignore it
Washing hotter than the label allows is the classic way clothes shrink, fade, and lose their shape. Cold-rated garments are usually made of fibers (or dyes) that heat damages permanently.
Where you'll see it
Dark denim, printed t-shirts, synthetics like polyester blends, and most colorful everyday clothes.
Common questions
Is 30°C the same as cold?
Close enough. US machines call 26–30°C “cold.” Tap-cold water can run colder than 30°C, which is also fine — the number on the label is a maximum, not a target.
Will cold water actually get clothes clean?
Yes — modern detergents are formulated for cold water. Heavily soiled items may need a pre-soak or a longer cycle, not more heat.
Related symbols
- Machine Wash Warm — wash in warm water
- Machine Wash Hot — wash in hot water
- Hand Wash Only — too delicate for a washing machine
- Delicate / Gentle Cycle — use the delicate/gentle cycle: minimal agitation, a short slow spin, and ideally a mesh bag for anything that can snag
Or just scan the label
CareLabl reads the entire care label in one photo — every symbol on it, decoded into plain English, plus the fabric composition. Works with international and US labels. Try Pro free for 3 days, no credit card needed.